The fifth season introduces future main character Jonas Quinn portrayed by Corin Nemec from 2002–2004.

The one-hour premiere "Enemies", which debuted on June 29, 2001, on Showtime had the lowest syndication of the seasons episode, but overall got a high viewership level.

Season five regular cast members include Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping, with Christopher Judge, and Don S. Davis.

Further cameos include Joseph Mallozzi (who co-wrote this episode), producer N. John Smith, and Stargate SG-1 writer Ron Wilkerson as Wormhole X-Treme!

Courtenay J. Stevens appears as Lieutenant Elliot, a role which he would reprise in the episodes "Summit" and "Last Stand".

According to the episode audio commentary, Rothery performed her lines on-set to help give the actors a reference point.

For "Ascension", Amanda Tapping won a Leo Award in the category "Dramatic Series: Best Lead Performance – Female".

For "Proving Ground", Andy Mikita was nominated for a Leo Award in the category "Dramatic Series: Best Director".